Ultimately, Making Tax Digital aims to leverage digital technology to make taxation easier, more transparent and more efficient - but the scheme has also given rise to concerns over cyber security.

That’s because the introduction of MTD is forcing many firms to implement and use new digital systems they’re not familiar with, while at the same time mandating the sharing of sensitive financial data online.

Those two factors hand in hand create clear potential for problems - particularly with opportunistic cyber crime at an all-time high.

In this blog post, we’ll look more closely at the vulnerabilities MTD could expose, and identify the steps you can take to mitigate any risk.

Unfamiliar foes - why new MTD software represents a risk

At present, Making Tax Digital applies only to VAT, so it’s only mandatory for businesses that earn over the £85,000 per year VAT threshold.

However, more taxes will be incorporated into the scheme from 2020, and soon enough, all businesses (including sole traders and freelancers) will have to comply.

That means businesses not yet making use of digital accounting platforms are going to have to change their ways.

That’s a third of businesses implementing and using new software to report their financial data - potentially failing to follow data-security best practice due to unfamiliarity with their new system.

Even more worryingly, the report suggests that a further 19% of VAT-registered companies don’t even know what Making Tax Digital is. These are likely to be more traditional, less digital-savvy organisations, even more ill-prepared to make the sudden leap to online filing.

And in the era of GDPR, a breach of data security could come at great cost to your business.

Indeed, alongside the considerable expenses businesses are incurring as a result of Making Tax Digital (the cost of new software and training for instance), the real financial damage could come from the crippling effects of data loss.

Three steps to help you avoid a costly cyber crime…

1) Choose your software wisely

There’s no getting around it. If you currently record your financial data on spreadsheets, or perhaps even just on paper, you’ll need to invest in some MTD-compatible software to help you fulfil your obligations.

Each solution will of course have its pros and cons, but cyber security should be a key factor in your decision. Look into the data storage protocols of each platform, hunt out any ISO security accreditations, and make sure you understand each provider’s approach to ongoing ‘patching’ or bug fixes.

After all, keeping your software regularly updated will be critical to warding off potential threats.

2) Protect your data

Once your software is up and running, it’ll be storing a lot of valuable data - so you’ll need to ensure it’s only accessible to the right people.

Restrictions should be put in place to limit data access to the staff who need it, and to keep out prying eyes. Permissions settings within the software should allow you to do this with relative ease.

If you’re working with cloud accounting software, your data will be accessible via any internet-connected mobile device, so you’ll also need to be aware of the devices that your staff are using to connect.

Vulnerabilities in these devices (for instance an out of date operating system or browser) could potentially compromise your data.

Consider your approach to third-party access, too. Whether it’s an accountant or an IT worker, some people may from time to time need access to your system, and you’ll need to make sure they follow the same data protection obligations as you do.

3) Train your staff

When working with new technology, human error arguably poses a greater risk than any vulnerability in the software itself. And, with MTD being such a new initiative, cyber criminals may well take the opportunity to test out that theory.

As various MTD deadlines loom, your staff should therefore be made aware of the potential for phishing attacks (one of the most common causes of a data breach) from cyber criminals attempting to impersonate official HMRC communications, or those of your software supplier.

Such attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so staff should be adequately trained to help them spot malicious emails, not just encouraged to remain vigilant.

This training should be delivered as part of a wider education programme that fosters a culture of cyber security in your business, also including clear guidance on best-practice password policies.

Summary

Another sure-fire step towards the digitised business world, Making Tax Digital will transform taxation for the better - but firms must be wary of the data security implications that come with it.

Selecting the right software will be key to both a smooth transition and to ongoing security, yet the education of your staff will be just as essential in keeping your data safe.

“Look into the data storage protocols of each platform, hunt out any ISO security accreditations, and make sure you understand each provider’s approach to ongoing ‘patching’ or bug fixes.”

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